Hosted by PJs in Vietnam
Last Update: Monday, July 20, 2009

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Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient

First Lieutenant Joseph T. Connell distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-43 Helicopter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 5 October 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Connell piloted a helicopter ambulance to a combat area to evacuate wounded personnel. Upon arriving, Lieutenant Connell  found the landing area was too small for the helicopter. Thought the night was dark, with adverse weather conditions, Lieutenant Connell began maneuvering his aircraft for a vertical power landing, at no time using his aircraft landing lights. Despite the dangers of a crash and hostile sniper fire, Lieutenant Connell without regard for his personal safety, evacuated the wounded personnel. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Connell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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